Plantbiotechnology for a biobased economy

Purpose and goal

In the agenda, we have painted a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities that breeding of trees and crops will address, if in Sweden we choose to embrace Agenda´s vision of a sustainable and productive agriculture and forestry. Central to our vision is that future agriculture and forestry will, in addition to fuel and food, also produce new bio-based raw materials to Sweden´s future green industries.

Results and expected effects

In order to fulfill the Agenda vision it is required that we focus on the existing areas of strength where Sweden is at the forefront internationally, and that we prioritize key areas of specific importance or areas where we are particularly well placed to contribute to international development. In agreement with this, we have identified five key areas that should be prioritized if we are to reach the goal of a bio-based economy: Adaptation to climate change, Basic research and plant biotechnology, The Innovation process, Renewable and novel products, Sustainability and productivity.

Approach and implementation

The proposal for a national research agenda, Plant Biotechnology for a bio-based economy, has been prepared by a working group consisting of Torbjörn Fagerström, Claudia Köhler, Ove Nilsson, Sten Stymne and Jens Sundström. At a workshop in Stockholm March 12, the working group took notes of thoughts and visions from a large number of stakeholders from academia, industry and governmental agencies. These visions have largely been incorporated in the text, and are the main inspiration for the figure ´Plant Life´ that in large captures the main conclusions of the agenda.